KAILUA-KONA — Kealakehe hasn’t faced a whole lot of adversity — at least on the Big Island — the last half-decade or so. Needing a bounce back win after the teams first loss in over 60 matches in the BIIF — a 6-1 defeat at the hands of defending Division II state champs Hawaii Prep back on Dec. 4 — the Waveriders responded with a swift 3-0 victory over Division I rival Hilo on Tuesday at Waverider Stadium.
KAILUA-KONA — Kealakehe hasn’t faced a whole lot of adversity — at least on the Big Island — the last half-decade or so. Needing a bounce back win after the teams first loss in over 60 matches in the BIIF — a 6-1 defeat at the hands of defending Division II state champs Hawaii Prep back on Dec. 4 — the Waveriders responded with a swift 3-0 victory over Division I rival Hilo on Tuesday at Waverider Stadium.
“Better than last time,” Kealakehe head coach Alden Sawada said with a laugh of his team’s performance. “I told them sometimes to win, you have to lose. You learn more from those experiences. Today they had more focus. That was the main thing.”
Bryson Guanio and James Caudell tallied scores in the first half, while Hunter Olaso added the insurance goal for the Waveriders (2-1) around the 12 minute mark in the second half. All the goals came off either free kicks or corners.
“We have been working on a lot of those set plays,” Sawada said. “You always hope what you work on in practice translates on game day, and it did.”
Skyler Troy recorded the shutout in net.
Kealakehe did have a contest at Honokaa scheduled over the weekend, but around the midway mark of the first half the game was called because of bad field conditions from rain.
The win should be a solid motivational boost for the Waveriders, convincingly dispatching an opponent who is the front-runner to stop their BIIF DI title streak. Last year the teams met in the BIIF title game, with the Waveriders rebounding from an early 1-0 deficit to win 2-1, reeling off a fifth consecutive title and ninth overall since 2004.
“It’s a real confidence builder,” Sawada said. “We are looking forward to the next one.”
The Viks (1-2) will have a chance at redemption on Jan. 21, when the Waveriders travel to the east side.
Kamehameha 2, Honokaa 1
Rylan Respecio scored both goals at Paiea Stadium and the Warriors (1-2) held on for their first victory of the season.
Sean Simmerman converted on a penalty kick for the Dragons (0-3), who fell into last place in the rugged Red division.
Originally, Honokaa coach Maurice Miranda didn’t think he’d have the services of Simmerman, who recently came out for the team and provides a much-needed senior presence.
“That gives us two,” Miranda said. “We’re trying to make things happen, and I can see some room for improvement.”
Girls
Kamehameha 9, Honokaa 1
Faith Aurello, Hiwa Brown and Chenoa Frederick each scored two goals as the Warriors rolled at home to run their record to 4-0.
Hevani Haunga added her eighth goal of the season, and Kiara Cuyo and Nanea Delostrico also had goals.
Ana Hosek scored for the Dragons (2-2)
Hilo 4, Kealakehe 1
Sophomores Jordyn Pacheco and Miya Clarke staked the Vikings to a 2-0 lead in the first 12 minutes at Waverider Stadium, and Navi Varize also scored off a cross from Clarke for Hilo (3-1).
Alyeemomi Amaral’s cross set up Pacheco’s goal from 6 yards out, and Amaral also took a corner kick that resulted in an own goal in the second half. Clarke scored from 5 yards away off Hollie Saplan direct kick.
The Waveriders (0-4) hung in defensively, avoiding the shutout when Kaimana Caceres scored in the 79th minute. Helen Remke drew the assist.